Dharamshala, India: - Kalon Tripa (the elected political leader of Tibet), Dr Lobsang Sangay Sunday, January 29, inaugurated a new hospital in Dhondenling Tibetan settlement in Kollegal in southern India, calling on the Tibetans to raise their awareness on health and precautionary measures. His Eminence Gaden Tripa Rizong Rinpoche consecrated the hospital.

Kunkyab Dophenling Hospital was built with the generous financial support and coordination of a Jewish family based in Luxembourg and Vimala Association in Switzerland respectively.

In his address, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay said the new hospital would be very helpful in providing essential healthcare services not only Tibetans, but also to the local Indian community as well.

Kalon Tripa emphasised the paramount importance of taking and keeping oneself abreast of precautionary measures before one gets ill, adding that landing in hospital would be last resort.

Directing the health department to organise programmes to raise people's awareness on the health issues, Dr Sangay called on the Tibetans to take part in these activities.

Kalon Tripa expressed his deep appreciation for the valuable support rendered by the Jewish family and Vimala Association in building the hospital.

Health Secretary Mr Wangchuk Phasur as the special guest, and representatives from Vimala Association, including Ms Dedde Carrani, who coordinated the hospital project, attended the inauguration ceremony. Other dignitaries present include settlement officers from the neighbouring settlements and chairmen of local assemblies.

The new hospital came up after repeated efforts to renovate the old hospital, first built in 1974, failed. The decision to build the new hospital was collectively taken by the hospital's executive secretary, secretary of health department and Vimala Association.

Later in the afternoon, Kalon Tripa interacted with the Tibetan settlers during his public talk.